Perth Modern school hit by five more resignations

Five more members of the board of flagship public school Perth Modern have resigned in the past week.

The latest resignations mean that all 10 board members who put their names to a letter of complaint about a proposal to build a 700-seat auditorium at the school have gone.

Three business leaders who resigned last week, before their tenure expired, included Health Engine chief executive Marcus Tan, King and Wood Mallesons partner Nigel Hunt and mining and gas veteran Erica Smyth.

Last year a majority of board members signed a letter expressing a lack of confidence in principal Lois Joll. Education director-general Sharyn O’Neill then ordered a review by professional services firm KPMG into the governance of the auditorium project.

The review found clearer direction was needed on financial management and governance of capital works projects in schools.

The department said the school board this week agreed unanimously to express its “unconditional confidence in, and full support for” Ms Joll and her executive team.